A monk, speaking under the shadow of watchful eyes, warns, “Be careful, people are watching you.” This cautionary note underscores the precariousness of any expression of Tibetan identity or allegiance to their exiled leader. China has maintained control over Tibet since 1950, and its heavy-handed policies have infiltrated even the most sacred spaces like the Kirti monastery, historically a center of Tibetan dissent.

As the Dalai Lama confirmed plans for his successor, exiled Tibetans expressed their fears that the next incarnation may be determined by the Chinese government, adhering to official state narratives. With growing restrictions, including mandatory Chinese language education for Tibetan children, the essence of Tibetan culture faces greater erosion. Amid these challenges, practitioners cling to their faith and identity, navigating an increasingly hostile environment while seeking a place for their beliefs under a regime determined to stifle them.

**Summary: The article outlines the tensions in Tibet as the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama is observed against a backdrop of stringent surveillance and oppression by the Chinese government. Monks at the Kirti monastery express their struggles with Chinese authority, foreshadowing a contentious future regarding the next Dalai Lama's succession amid fears of cultural erosion.**